Shrimp in Garlic Butter is a quick and delicious dish that's packed with flavor and perfect as an appetizer or main course. The combination of succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce is irresistible. Here's a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or 1 tsp lemon zest)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
-
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden (but not burnt).
-
Deglaze the Pan (Optional):
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.
-
Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the lemon juice (or zest) and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them well in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the shrimp through.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Transfer the shrimp and garlic butter sauce to a serving dish.
- Garnish with additional parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Enjoy!
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter or served over pasta or rice for a heartier meal. It’s also fantastic as part of a seafood platter or appetizer spread.
